DongFangHong(YTO)
东方红
Established in 1955, a renowned manufacturer in the Chinese agricultural machinery industry, specializing in the production of various product categories, including tracked tractors, wheeled tractors, diesel engines, harvesting machinery, and specialized vehicles.
The First Tractor Co., Ltd., formerly known as the First Tractor Manufacturing Plant, was founded in 1955 and was one of the 156 key national projects during China’s “First Five-Year Plan.” It has since evolved into a massive enterprise in the Chinese agricultural machinery industry. In 1997, China First Tractor Group Co., Ltd. restructured and conducted a shareholding reform involving the business, assets, liabilities, and personnel related to tractors. This led to the establishment of the First Tractor Co., Ltd. in compliance with the law, which subsequently issued H-shares abroad and became publicly listed in Hong Kong on June 23 of the same year. On August 8, 2012, China First Tractor was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, becoming a publicly traded company in the Chinese agricultural machinery industry with both A and H shares.
The company possesses a strong production capability encompassing forging, machining, assembly, and testing, with nearly a hundred assembly lines. The company’s leading products include the “Dongfanghong” series of tracked tractors, wheeled tractors, diesel engines, harvesting machinery, and specialized vehicles in various categories. Leveraging its product and technical advantages, the company has consistently maintained a leading position in the Chinese market for large-wheeled tractors and off-road power machinery. It has successfully exported its products to over 140 countries and regions worldwide, making a significant contribution to China’s agricultural machinery industry, agricultural mechanization, and rural revitalization.
The birth of the “Dongfanghong” tractor marked the starting point of the Chinese tractor industry. In 1958, the first high-power tracked tractor of the “Dongfanghong” series was produced in New China, and Vice Premier Tan Zhenlin solemnly declared to the world, “The era when the Chinese people plow their fields without using oxen has finally arrived.” In the 1980s, the “Dongfanghong” 8-speed small four-wheeled tractor was introduced, significantly reviving the Chinese agricultural machinery industry. In the 1990s, the first domestic high-power wheeled tractor production base was established within the company. In 1994, the National Tractor Research Institute was integrated into the company, enabling China First Tractor to establish a national-level technical center in the tractor industry and greatly enhancing its research and development capabilities. During the “Eighth,” “Ninth,” and “Tenth” Five-Year Plans, China First Tractor undertook numerous national key technology innovation and new product development projects, including rubber-tracked tractors, “Dongfanghong” LF80-90, and high-power tractors, continuously advancing towards the high-end and high-technology sectors of the industry.
“Dongfanghong” tractors produced by China First Tractor were honored as “China Famous Brand Products” by the State Administration for Market Regulation, ranking first in the industry and establishing itself as a top-tier brand in the Chinese tractor market. The entire range of “Dongfanghong” tractors, with power ranging from 25 to 188 horsepower, and the 70 to 150 horsepower series of steel/rubber-tracked tractors, were recognized as “China Famous Brand Products,” showcasing the company’s strength and position in the industry. China First Tractor Group’s leadership stated, “The selection of ‘Dongfanghong’ tractors from among numerous tractor brands is not only a reward for ‘Dongfanghong’ tractors’ consistent commitment to quality, innovation, and service but also a reflection of the market’s trust in ‘Dongfanghong’ tractors.”
After years of accumulation, the brand influence of “Dongfanghong” is increasingly evident in both the Chinese and international markets. “Dongfanghong” is one of the most influential tractor brands in China. During times when resources were scarce in China, “Dongfanghong” tractors performed over 60% of the agricultural tasks in cultivated lands, becoming a synonym for agricultural mechanization in China. In the 21st century, “Dongfanghong” tractors have continued to rise, with their diesel engines holding over 70% of the market share in the Chinese market for medium and large-sized tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery power systems. The integral-type tractor front drive axle, which accounts for over 80% of the industry, has provided advanced technical support for China’s four-wheel-drive, high-power tractors. The large-wheeled tractor chassis technology has earned recognition from international experts. In 1999, “Dongfanghong” marked the end of China’s agricultural machinery industry not having a famous Chinese trademark. Besides exporting to developed countries in Europe and North America, many nations have expressed intentions for joint ventures and cooperation. As of the end of 2005, China First Tractor had established 11 overseas assembly plants and offices, with nearly a hundred dealers and agents, exporting tractor products to 92 countries. To align with the international market, the international registered trademark “YTO” for “Dongfanghong” has been registered in more than 60 countries. “YTO, together with you” has become a popular slogan abroad. In 2006, “YTO” became the only export brand recommended by the China Machinery Industry Federation for the domestic medium and large wheeled tractor industry.
In the eyes of ordinary users, “Dongfanghong” has become synonymous with “high cost-effective and reliable tractors,” gaining widespread market acclaim. China First Tractor is implementing a “brand strategy” project that will further promote and strengthen the “Dongfanghong” brand at an unprecedented pace. A new China First Tractor, characterized by the integration of technology, innovation, and branding, is gradually taking shape.
